Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for assessing an amount of a blood component of a volume of fluid within a canister, comprising: at a computing system in communication with an image acquisition device, receiving data associated with an image of the canister generated by the image acquisition device; at the computing system, automatically selecting a first region of the image corresponding to a layer of fluid situated between a wall of the canister and a first feature of an insert retained in a first position within the canister that is offset from the wall of the canister; at the computing system, determining a color parameter representative of the first region of the image; at the computing system, determining a concentration of a blood component within the canister, based upon the color parameter; upon determining the volume of fluid within the canister, generating an analysis informative of an amount of the blood component within the canister; and at an output device in communication with the computing system, providing information derived from the analysis to an entity associated with an individual from whom the volume of fluid originated.
A method for determining the amount of a blood component in a fluid sample inside a canister. The process involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising retaining the insert within the container prior to receiving fluid from the patient in the canister.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component, as described above, includes retaining the insert inside the canister *before* the patient's fluid sample is added to the canister. This ensures the insert is already in place when the image is taken for analysis. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein retaining the insert within the canister comprises providing alignment between the first feature of the insert and an anti-glare layer of a color grid coupled to an external surface of the canister.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component, including retaining the insert within the canister, additionally involves aligning the insert's feature with an anti-glare layer of a color grid on the canister's exterior. This ensures consistent image quality by preventing glare. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the volume of fluid within the canister by performing at least one of: 1) receiving information pertaining to the volume of fluid within the canister at an input device in communication with the computing system, and 2) identifying a reference marker on the canister, selecting an area of the image based upon the reference marker, determining a fluid level within the canister based upon a portion of the area, and estimating the volume of fluid within the canister based upon the fluid level.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component, as described in the first claim, includes determining the volume of fluid in the canister using one of two methods: 1) receiving the volume information from an input device connected to the computer system, or 2) identifying a reference marker on the canister image, selecting an image area based on the marker, determining the fluid level in that area, and estimating the fluid volume based on the level. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: at the computing system, automatically selecting a second region of the image exhibiting a color gradient, and determining at least one of the concentration of the blood component within the canister and a hemolysis status of fluid within the canister based upon the second region of the image.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component in a fluid sample, involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein selecting the second region of the image exhibiting the color gradient comprises transmitting light, from a light source, through fluid within the canister, thereby inducing the color gradient.
The method, which involves selecting a second image region exhibiting a color gradient, induces the gradient by transmitting light from a light source through the fluid within the canister. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein transmitting light comprises transmitting light from a light source coupled to the insert.
In the method for determining blood component concentration using a color gradient created by light transmission, the light source that generates the color gradient is attached to the insert inside the canister. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein transmitting light comprises transmitting light characterized by at least one wavelength between one or more of: 400-700 nm and 800-950 nm, in relation to hemoglobin light absorption, and wherein determining the hemolysis status is based upon signals generated by an image acquisition device external to the canister.
The method for determining blood component concentration, where light is transmitted to create a color gradient, uses light with wavelengths between 400-700 nm *or* 800-950 nm, which are wavelengths related to hemoglobin light absorption. The hemolysis status is determined using signals from an external image acquisition device. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
9. The method of claim 5 , further comprising retaining a second feature of the insert in a second position such that the second feature provides a region with a gradient in fluid thickness between the second feature and wall of the canister.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component in a fluid sample using color gradients uses a second feature of the insert, positioned to create a fluid thickness gradient between the insert and the canister wall. This gradient is then analyzed for color variations. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the second feature comprises a set of first features arranged in a stepped configuration, each of the set of first features offset from the wall of the canister, and wherein the method further comprises: generating a parameter from each of the set of features; classifying fluid according to a concentration regime of a set of concentration regimes based upon the parameters generated from the set of first features; and determining the concentration of the blood component within the canister based upon the concentration regime.
The method using the color gradient for blood component determination uses a set of first features on the insert arranged in a stepped configuration. The features are offset from the wall of the canister. The method calculates a parameter from each step, classifies the fluid into a concentration regime based on these parameters, and determines the blood component concentration based on the identified concentration regime. The method involves: receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a uniform color region of the image that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system. Furthermore, the method includes automatically selecting a second image region that shows a color gradient and using this region to determine either the blood component concentration *or* the hemolysis (red blood cell breakdown) status of the fluid.
11. A system for assessing an concentration of a fluid component, the system comprising: a container for receiving a volume of fluid from a patient; an insert configured to be retained within the container such that a first feature of the insert is offset from a wall of the container; and a computing system in communication with an image acquisition device and comprising: a first module configured to receive an image dataset of the container generated by the image acquisition device; a second module configured to automatically select a first region of the image corresponding to fluid between the wall of the container and the first feature of the insert; a third module configured to determine a parameter representative of the first region of the image; and a fourth module configured to determine a concentration of a fluid component within the container, based upon the parameter.
A system for assessing the concentration of a fluid component comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising an output device in communication with the computing system, and configured to render information derived from the analysis to an entity associated with an individual from whom the volume of fluid originated, wherein the output device is integrated with the image acquisition device.
The system for assessing the concentration of a fluid component, as described above, has an output device connected to the computer to show the analysis results to someone associated with the patient. The output device is integrated with the image acquisition device. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the insert includes an alignment feature that couples the insert to the container.
In the system for assessing fluid component concentration, the insert inside the container has an alignment feature that attaches it to the container. This ensures proper and repeatable positioning. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the insert includes a cylindrical base at an inferior end of the insert and a frustoconical portion superior to the cylindrical base, wherein the cylindrical base defines the first feature and wherein the frustoconical portion defines a second feature configured to provide a color gradient upon reception of fluid into the container.
The system for assessing fluid component concentration features an insert with a cylindrical base and a frustoconical portion above it. The cylindrical base is the feature offset from the wall (for uniform color analysis), and the frustoconical portion creates a color gradient when fluid is added. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the insert includes a set of first features arranged in a stepped configuration, each of the set of first features offset from the wall of the container and from an adjacent first feature.
In the system for assessing fluid component concentration, the insert includes a set of features arranged in a stepped configuration. Each step is offset from both the container wall and the adjacent step. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the third module of the computing system is configured to generate a parameter from each of the set of first features; classify fluid according to a concentration regime of a set of concentration regimes based upon the parameters generated from the set of first features; and determine the concentration of the fluid component within the container based upon the concentration regime.
The system using stepped features on the insert to assess fluid component concentration calculates a parameter from each step. It then classifies the fluid into a concentration regime based on these parameters and determines the fluid component concentration based on the regime. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
17. The system of claim 11 , further comprising an illumination module in communication with the container, wherein the illumination module is configured to transmit light through fluid within the container.
The system for assessing fluid concentration includes a light source that shines light through the fluid in the container. This illumination helps in analyzing the fluid's properties. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
18. The system of claim 17 , wherein the illumination module comprises a light source configured to transmit light characterized by at least one wavelength between one or more of: 400-700 nm and 800-950 nm, in relation to hemoglobin light absorption.
The system using light to assess fluid component concentration uses a light source that emits light with wavelengths between 400-700 nm *or* 800-950 nm, matching hemoglobin's light absorption characteristics. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
19. The system of claim 17 , wherein the illumination module is coupled to the insert retained within the container.
In the system that uses light to determine fluid component concentration, the light source is attached to the insert inside the container. This allows for controlled and consistent illumination. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
20. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a fifth module configured to determine a volume of fluid within the container upon at least one of: receiving information pertaining to the volume of fluid within the canister at an input device in communication with the computing system, and 2) identifying a reference marker on the container, selecting an area of the image based upon the reference marker, determining a fluid level within the container based upon a portion of the area, and estimating the volume of fluid within the container based upon the fluid level.
The system for assessing fluid component concentration also has a module that determines the volume of fluid in the canister. This is done by either: 1) receiving volume information from an input device, or 2) identifying a reference marker on the container, selecting an image area based on the marker, determining the fluid level in that area, and estimating the fluid volume based on the level. The system comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first region of the image exhibits a substantially uniform color.
The method for determining the amount of a blood component in a fluid sample involves receiving an image of the canister via a computing system connected to an image acquisition device; automatically selecting a region of the image that exhibits a substantially uniform color that represents fluid between the canister wall and a feature on an insert inside the canister; determining a color value for that region; calculating the blood component concentration based on the color value; determining the total fluid volume in the canister; generating an analysis of the total amount of the blood component; and providing this analysis to someone associated with the patient who provided the fluid sample, using an output device connected to the computer system.
22. The system of claim 11 , wherein the first region of the image exhibits substantially uniform characteristics.
The system for assessing fluid component concentration comprises: a container to hold the fluid from a patient; an insert inside the container, positioned so a feature of the insert is offset from the container wall; and a computing system connected to an image acquisition device. The computer system includes a module to receive an image of the container, a module to automatically select a region of the image that exhibits substantially uniform characteristics, corresponding to fluid between the container wall and insert feature, a module to determine a color value of the image region, and a module to determine fluid component concentration based on the color value.
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September 26, 2017
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